Trucking news and briefs for Friday, May 1, 2026:
First production model Semi leaves Tesla factory
The Tesla Semi factory is a 1.7-million-square-foot facility located in Sparks, Nevada, adjacent to the existing Gigafactory Nevada. This dedicated production site is designed to produce 50,000 trucks annually.
The first high-volume production Tesla Semi rolled off the high-volume production line this week, the company announced via social media Wednesday.
Originally scheduled for launch in 2019, Tesla has confirmed several times recently its intent for a 2026 commercial debut.
While the Semi has seen several design iterations over the last nearly 9 years – including a redesigned chassis and optimized aerodynamics showcased at last year's shareholder meeting – the core performance metrics for its Long and Standard range models are set.
Both models will utilize a three-motor system on the rear axles, delivering 800 kW (approx. 1,072 hp) of drive power. Perhaps most impressive is the efficiency: Tesla claims a 1.7 kWh per mile consumption rate across both trim levels, even when loaded to a full 82,000 lb gross combination weight. The Standard Range model tips the scale at gross weight under 20,000 pounds, while the Long Range version comes in at approximately 23,000 pounds, the company claims.
Another mirror-alternative camera maker petitions FMCSA for exemption
The manufacturer of a mirror-alternative camera system is petitioning the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration for a waiver to allow motor carriers to install its system in lieu of the two rear-vision mirrors required by federal regulations.
Rosho Automotive Solutions’ camera-based “Mirror System” is designed to fully replace traditional Class II, IV, and V physical mirrors on commercial vehicles and is compliant with international standards such as UNECE R46 and ISO 16505, the company said in its request. Rosho stated that the system also delivers low-latency and clear images with cameras that feature a high dynamic range and anti-glare coating, LED flicker suppression and mitigation, and manual or automatic heating functions to remove frost and fog.
According to Rosho, the system can also detect dirt, debris and blind spots, thereby improving driving safety.
Rosho also highlighted the system's night vision capability, low-light sensitivity features, and the ergonomic design of the system to minimize lateral head movement and reduce eye strain, thereby increasing driver comfort and mitigating fatigue-related incidents.
FMCSA is accepting public comments on Rosho’s request here through June 1.
A similar exemption is already in place for the Stoneridge company’s MirrorEye system. German truck tech supplier Aumovio SE requested a similar exemption for its ProViu system earlier this year.
[Related: Waiver allowing camera-mirror alternative renewed]
Missing trucker found dead in Georgia
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Wednesday announced that the body of the missing truck driver the agency was searching for has been found.
FBI said a body found in “Coastal Georgia” was confirmed to be missing truck driver Alejandro Jacomino Gonzalez.
Gonzalez was last seen in the early morning hours of April 17, at the I-95 South Brevard County Rest Area in Grant-Valkaria, Florida. Gonzalez went missing after picking up a shipment of cars on April 16 at the Port of Brunswick in Georgia for delivery to Miami, Florida.
On April 17, his truck was located in Port Wentworth, Georgia, with several cars missing from the hauler.
FBI Tampa and Atlanta Divisions are leading the investigation into Gonzalez’s death.
[Related: FBI seeks info on missing truck driver]
